The government reiterates its intention to consult on changes to the UCO 1987 in relation to betting shops …

[UPDATE: For the subsequent consultation relating to this statement, please view this post].

The DCLG "Gambling Protections and Controls" document (link), along with the associated written statement by Helen Grant MP (Minister for Sport, Tourism & Equalities), reiterates the government's intention to consult on changes to the UCO 1987 in relation to betting shops. The above document states the following:

"As part of the Government’s broader planning reform, a smaller planning use class containing betting shops will mean that in future where it is proposed to convert a bank, building society or estate agent into a betting shop, a planning application will be required. In addition, the Government will remove the ability for other premises such as restaurants and pubs to change use to a betting shop without planning permission. All changes of use to a betting shop will therefore require planning permission in future. The Department for Communities and Local Government will consult on the detail of these proposals as part of a wider consultation on change of use in summer 2014".

The above document also states the following:

"The Government intends to ... Require a planning application for new betting shops where there is a change of use. This will return powers to local planning authorities, and enable them to consider the planning application in accordance with their local plan".

For reference, the above statements correspond (to a significant degree) to paragraph 2.249 of the HM Treasury "Budget 2014" document (March 2014), which stated that the government would consult on the creation of "a much wider 'retail' use class, excluding betting shops and payday loan shops". For further information about this previous document, please view this post.